BEST Act

This bill would give states two-year grants to create or improve “Seal of Biliteracy” programs that honor students who are strong in English and another language. To earn the seal, students must show skill in speaking and writing in both languages, and states may also count reading and listening. Programs can also support early language learning.

Programs must include Native American languages, letting speakers of any official Native American language use that language in place of English for the seal. Testing must be available for all languages, including American Sign Language, and students at tribally controlled and Bureau of Indian Education schools must be included.

• Who is affected: Elementary, middle, and high school students who speak or are learning another language (including English learners, heritage speakers, students with disabilities, and Native American language speakers), plus states and local school districts.
• What changes: States can get two-year grants that can be renewed to run or improve Seal programs; students can earn a seal on their diploma or a note on their transcript; funds can help pay test costs for low‑income students; students who learned a language outside school can apply.
• How funds are used: Program setup, public outreach, and subgrants to districts for teacher training, outreach, and testing support. States get one grant at a time, must report after 18 months, and return unspent money within six months after the grant ends.
• When: Authorizes $10 million each year from 2025 through 2029.

The bill points to research that biliteracy is linked with higher graduation rates, better grades, more college attendance, and higher earnings.